Frederick University warmly congratulates the FUF Racing Team for succeeding at the International Formula IHU Competition, held in Greece from August 26 to 31, 2025. The team built a formula-type car in the School of Engineering's laboratories.
The FUF Racing Team, consisting of 18 members, proudly celebrated 2nd place overall in the highly demanding and competitive category of internal combustion engine vehicles. The competition was held at the Serres Racing Circuit, one of the top tracks in the Balkans. The team successfully passed rigorous technical and mechanical inspections, overcame multiple challenges, and stood out in acceleration races, the skid pad (circular cone avoidance), and the autocross (maneuverability track).

The team worked tirelessly throughout the year to design and build the single-seat race car used in the competition. University teams in these competitions are evaluated not only for their creativity, business plans, and innovative solutions to emerging challenges but also for the car’s engineering, construction, innovation, and performance.

The FUF Racing Team includes students not only from the Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering programs but also from Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Visual Communication. Members are responsible not only for designing and building the vehicle but also for securing sponsorships, creating a modern and innovative business plan, pricing and ordering all components and materials, and managing the promotion and outreach of the team and its preparation journey for the competition.

This new distinction -following last year’s 3rd place in Italy- marks a significant achievement that further solidifies not only Frederick University’s position but also that of Cyprus at the forefront of academic education in automotive engineering. It also serves as a tangible example of student involvement in applied research and innovatio, practices that Frederick University systematically promotes.

“We are especially proud of the students of the FUF Racing Team for their hard work and determination in achieving this remarkable success. Their achievement confirms the potential of Cyprus’s new generation when given the right tools and the support of those who believe in their capabilities. We warmly congratulate the team and commend their dedication. We also extend heartfelt congratulations to the team’s academic advisor, Professor Antonios Londos, whose experience and expertise played a decisive role in this success,” said Ms. Natassa Frederickou, President of Frederick University’s Council.

Professor Antonios Lontos added: “I am extremely proud of our team. I thank each member individually for their dedication, persistence, and teamwork—not only during the race but throughout the preparation and construction of the car, spending countless hours in the lab to achieve this result. During the preparation and initial testing phases at the Serres circuit, we encountered unexpected failures and needed significant improvements. Through collective effort, the team overcame every obstacle, made all the necessary enhancements, and we were able to compete and achieve excellent results. The students of Frederick University demonstrated both strong theoretical grounding and practical skills. The way they solved technical and other problems was exceptional for a university team. Once again, their hard work, commitment, and professionalism have been rewarded. My warmest congratulations to all.”

Frederick University has a long-standing tradition in engineering and single-seater race car construction. The first car was built in 1969 by students of the Engineering Department at the former Technical and Economic School of Nicosia, which later evolved into Frederick University.

The FUF Racing Team is one of the co-curricular activities offered by Frederick University, giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice while developing valuable skills.

Frederick University warmly congratulates the team members and their Academic Advisor, Professor Antonios Lontos:

Team Members:
Michalis Michaelides, Dimitris Koutsoukis, Fotis Manelidis, Marios Kyprianou, Paris Anastasis, Kyprianos Diogenous, Konstantinos Chanappas, Andreas Thrasyvoulou, Giorgos Philippou, Rodothea Philippou, Zina Hadjigiasemi, Frederiki Vraka, Iordanis Kyriakou, Kyriakos Georgiou, Aris Heracleous, Michalis Botsaris, Andreas Lontos.

The team extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors for their trust and continuous support, which were instrumental in this success:
Ch. Kapodistrias & Sons Auto Parts, DIAS Scaffolding, Fworxtuning, Arla Protein, YK Diesel, Sikkens, SP Skies, Thomason Machinery, Satworks Ceramic, Panikos Panayi Machinery, Oasis Business Technicians, Cyprus Youth Organization (ONEK), Foivos Papaleontiou & Co. Ltd Fuel Station, Paphos Sealines, ETEK, Auto Gema Garage, Archimedes Metal Industry, ANAXAGORAS Pneumatics, FESTO, Dynojet, Achna Speedway, Daytona Raceway, Shiahini, TEMONIKA Steering Workshops, EyeDesire Signs, Sopro Radiator, Silver Star Insurance.